A PLAY IN ONE ACT 

by 

Winifred Hawkridge 



THE FLORIST SHOP 



WALTER H. BAKER CO., BOSTON 
Publishers 



The Florist Shop 

A Comedy in One Act 

by 
WINIFRED HAWKRIDGE 



Copyright, 191 5, By Winifred Hawkridge 
Copyright, 1926, By Winifred Hawkridge 

Made in U. S. A. 
All rights reserved 




BOSTON 
WALTER H. BAKER COMPANY 

Publishers 






ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 

"THE FLORIST SHOP" is fully protected by 
copyright, and all rights are reserved. Per- 
mission to act, read publicly or to make any 
use of it must be obtained from WALTER 
H. BAKER COMPANY, 41 Winter Street, 
Boston, Mass. 

It may be presented by amateurs upon payment 
of a royalty of ten dollars ($10.00) for each 
performance, payable to WALTER H. BAKER 
COMPANY one week before the date when the 
play is given. 

Professional rates quoted on application. 

Whenever the play is produced, the following 
notice must appear on all programs, printing 
and advertising for the play: "Produced by 
special arrangement with the WALTER H. 
BAKER COMPANY, of Boston, Mass. 



3ttb" 74949 

MAR 2976 

TMP96-CC65S1 
1/v I 



THE FLORIST SHOP 



CHARACTERS 

Maude. The florist's bookkeeper. Young and 
fairly good-looking. Her voice drips with 
sympathy. 

Henry. An ordinary, tough office-boy, about 
sixteen. He gives the impression of being in 
long trousers for the first time. He is, in spite 
of his invulnerable exterior, impressionable. 

Slovsky. The middle-aged Jewish proprietor of 
the shop. 

Miss Wells. A timid, talkative spinster, dressed 
in timid, tasteful colors. Her hat, in a modest 
way, is crisper and more daring than the rest 
of her costume. She is faded, sweet, rather 
colorless, reminiscent of a youth which has 
dwindled rather than ripened to middle age. 

Mr. Jackson. Rather over than under medium 
height. Baldish, pale, with sandy mustache, 
and a solemn, somewhat pompous manner. 
Slightly older than Miss Wells. 



AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 

This play is reprinted in pamphlet form through 
the courtesy of Brentano's, New York. It is pub- 
lished also in a volume of the Harvard Dramatic 
Club Plays with these additional plays: "THE 
BANK ACCOUNT", "THE RESCUE" and 
"AMERICA PASSES BY". 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Scene: A Florist Shop. At the back, a broad 
show window, dressed with flowers, — azaleas, roses, 
daffodils, violets. To the right of the window, a 
glass door, leading from the street. On both door 
and window, the name " Slovsky," in bold script, 
shows reversed. Two steps lead down from the door 
into the shop. The woodwork is white, and the 
floor tiled irregularly in large blue and white flag- 
stones. On the right, upstage, a glass showcase 
filled with flowers, and beyond, further downstage, 
m a group of bay trees and flowering azaleas, a 
plaster Cupid, designed for garden statuary. On 
the left, shelves, on which are grouped flowers, 
plants, vases, attractive wicker baskets, and other 
paraphernalia of the trade. Over the shelves, a 
mirror, built in. At left-centre is a white counter, 
on which are pen and ink, envelopes, etc., a tele- 
phone and ledgers. At lower left, an arched door- 
way leads to another part of the shop. The cur- 
tain rises on Maude, seated behind the counter, at 
work on a ledger, and Henry, who is arranging 
flowers im the case. 

Time: Early morning of a brilliant April day. 

Maude [as the telephone rings] Hel-lo ! This is 
Slovsky's. Yes 'm, we make a specialty of taste- 

[3] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

ful offerings. [Her voice drops to a tone of 
great sympathy.] Soitenly, you kin leave it to 
us, and we will insure its being quiet and in good 
taste. If you '11 just give me some idea of who 
the party was. [Still greater sympathy.] Oh! 
a little baby! Ain't that too bad. [Sincerely.] 
Well, we must look on these things as all for the 
best. I would suggest six dozen of them tiny 
white Mignon rosebuds, in a long spray, with 
white ribbon. The general effeck will be all green 
and white — light and pretty, and kinder inner- 
cent. [Soothingly reassuring.] Promptly at 
two — I '11 see to it myself. [Hangs up the re- 
ceiver.] Henry, ain't that sad? A little baby 
only six months old. I wonder what it died of? 
Teeth, prob'ly. 

Henry [toughly~\ Aw, Maude, I 've seen you 
take a dozen of them funeral orders a day, for the 
last four years, an' you still got a weep f'r every 
one of them. Sniffles is your middle name. What 's 
it to you? 

Maude [earnestly] In a way it ain't nothing, 
but I always get to thinking how it prob'ly suf- 
fered, and how the fam'ly suffered, and what it 'd 
been like if it lived to grow up — and how what 's 
jest " Two o'clock prompt " to Slovsky's is some- 
thing like eternal doom to them, and what's jest 
29 Main Street to Slovsky's errand boy is shel- 
terin' thoity or foity souls in anguish. I like to 
think of them things, Henry. It makes the woik 
more interestin'. 

Henry [moved by her eloquence, and therefore 
tougher than usual] Aw, cut out the sob stuff! 
[4] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Maude. Up to the rubber fact'ry, now, I made 
two a week more, but I did n't git real life. But 
here — honest — I read to improve my mind, the 
way everyone ought to, but I often think Florence 
Barclay never wrote nothing half so sad or ro- 
mantic as what goes on right under my nose. 

Henry [jeering] You 'd oughter save your 
stren'th. All this sad, sobby slush takes it outer 
you. 

Maude. It ain't all sad. Many 's the love 
affair I 've watched grow from a fifty-cent bunch 
of vi'lets to a fifty-dollar shower bouquet of roses 
and orange blossoms — all bought at Slovsky's. 
D' y' ever stop to think, there ain't been a bright 
spot or a dark spot in anyone's life in this town 
but what Slovsky 's got a record of it in their day- 
book? Henry, if you want to know a man's real 
nature, look at his florist's bills. 

Henry. I bet it don't woik. 

Maude [opening the book at random] Well, 
here 's Billy Trendall ; you know, that rich old 
bachelor. Oct. 1, four dozen chrysanthemums to 
Miss Vi'let Harvey ; Oct. 7, same goil, three dozen 
chrysanthemums. That 's all f'r Vi'let. Dec. 2, 
to Miss Mary Beal — she come out Thanksgiving 
time — one double size bunch of vi'lets. Dec. 15, 
four dozen American Beauties to Miss Harriet 
Prouty. He 's jest telephoned in an order of 
lilacs for that new bud that made such a hit. He 's 
been going on like this f'r years. 

Henry [struck by a new thought] Say, Slov- 
sky's would have to close, would n't it, if it was n't 
f'r nuts like him? 

[5] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Maude. Jest the same, he 's got taste. He 
starts every goil on a new flower. It jars me when 
thej keep on sending the same kind to every one, 
as if there was n't any difference between them. 

Enter Slovsky. 

Maude. Good morning, Mr. Slovsky. 

Slovsky [in good humor] Good morning, 
Maude. Business is good this morning. Two 
weddings, a reception and six funerals, besides 
the reg'lar trade. 

Maude. I gotter attend to a poor little baby's 
funeral myself, Mr. Slovsky. Exit. 

Henry. Say, you orter heard Maude sobbin' 
on over that kid's funeral. She was woise 'n ever. 
You 'd think she was dead herself. I says to her, 
" What 's it to you? " I says, but she — 

Slovsky [severely'] Young man! Them cheap 
jokes you make with that girl don't go here, see? 

Henry. Aw, I was just kiddin'. What harm 
did it do? 

Slovsky. In the pants business, which my 
brother is in, you could make fun of that girl's 
sympathetic nature all you wanted, because there 
is a reg'lar call for coats and pants, whether 
people got it hard hearts or soft ones. 

Henry. Huh ? 

Slovsky. When do we have our biggest sales 
in the florist business? On Christmas Day and St. 
Walentine's Day. In other words, when everyone 's 
full of sentimental thoughts. My brother, now all 
he needs to do is to fit people's arms and legs, 
which is easy because they stays the same size, 
[6] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

but what we got to fit is people's hearts, — which 
is always changing. That 's where Maude is worth 
her weight in gold. Whether it 's a funeral or a 
wedding, if the party hears a person on the other 
end of the wire entering into all their joys and 
sorrows, why, next time they got an order to place, 
— it goes to Slovsky's. You leave Maude alone. 

Reenter Maude. She seats herself at desk. 

[Continuing to Henry] You go send off them 
azalea plants to the Home for Indignant Females. 

Exit Henry leisurely. 

Slovsky [going to Maude's desk in genial 
mood] Well, Maude, this sending complimentary 
flowers to customers was a great little scheme of 
yours. Them two debbitante society buds, now, 
you sent roses to when they got engaged has just 
sent in, on account of it, their wedding orders. 
You have n't seen in the papers, now, any more 
debbitantes likely to bring trade? 

Maude [rather shortly] Lord knows the debbi- 
tantes get enough flowers. There 's others would 
appreciate them more. 

Slovsky. You stick to the debbitantes — 
they 're the best proposition. Sent anythink off 
lately? 

Maude. Yes [a pause] ; some orchids last 
night. 

Slovsky [slowly] Ah! orchids. I don't know 
as you need send out orchids. Roses is good 
enough, or even sweet peas. Unless it was very 
classy trade? 

Maude [after a pause] It was a party that 
would appreciate them. 

m 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Slovsky [with a keen glance at her] Well, I 
leave it to your judgment. Only, be careful don't 
throw away no orchids for nothing. Exit. 

Maude [enigmatically] H'm. [Henry enters 
with a jar of bachelor's-buttons, which he arranges. 
He drops some" blossoms on the floor.] Careful, 
Henry, you dropped some of them bachelor but- 
tons. [Henry picks them up hastily, leaving one 
on the floor. The telephone rings.] 

Maude [takimg up the receiver] You want 
some flowers sent to your wife ; what kind 
shall I send? [Coldly] You ain't got no pref- 
erences? [Coldly] Very well, then, I can select 
them myself. Any message? [Disappointed 
tone] No? Oh, yes, your card. [In significant 
tones, with deep sarcasm] We have a supply of 
them here. [Hangs up receiver with a bang.] 
Well, what d' you think of that, Henry ? That was 
young Davis who owns the rubber. This is their 
wedding anniversary — married just a year ago. 
They had the biggest wedding we ever sent out. 
The bride's bouquet was a shower of white orchids 
and lilies of the valley, poifectly enormous. And 
last month he leaves a standing order for American 
Beauties every morning to that Mademoiselle 
Looey over to the Gaiety. Henry, there 's a 
lot of suffering goes on in the homes of the 
rich. 

Henry. Aw, I 'd just as lief suffer. [He 
starts with empty tray for other room.] 

Maude [calling after him; she has an inspiror 
tion] Henry ! You go tell Slovsky to dooplicate 
that shower bouquet of orchids and lilies of the 

[8] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

valley, and send them on to Mrs. Davis, with his 
card. 

Henry [returnmg, interested] What 's the 
dope, Maude? 

Maude [sentiment ally] Who knows, but if he 
returns after an evening spent with gay com- 
panions to find his bride of a year weepin' over 
a wedding bouquet of white orchids and lilies of 
the valley — who knows but it may stir up memo- 
ries of the past? 

Henry [impressed] Gee ! Who knows but you 
may fix that up, Maude? What '11 you bet? 

Maude. There 's lots that goes on under my 
nose I 'd like to fix up. [Confidentially] I got a 
case now, Henry, I 'm woikin' on — 

Henry. What d' y' mean — workin' on? 
Maude [mysteriously] Never you mind. [The 
telephone rings. She answers it.] Yes, madam, 
those violets came from us. No, we did not forgit 
the card. I understood from the party that the 
party did not want their name di-vulged. 

Henry. Say, that gink must have money to 
burn to send flowers and not git the credit for it. 
Maude [impressively] Don't you believe it. It 
makes him seem to care more than the men who 
put their cards in. And she gets thinking and 
thinking who it can be, and when she finds out 
she 's half dippy about him. He won't seem like 
a real man — he '11 seem all she imagined a man 
might be before she found out they was n't. 

The door opens and Miss Wells enters, hesi- 
tatingly. She has the manner of entering on an 
adventure. She advances by little spurts, flutter- 
[9] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

ing and retreating. She is wearing on her coat 
a charming coquettish spray of purple orchids, 
tied with a ribbon. Henry comes forward. 

Henry. Can I show you something? 

Miss Wells [fluttering] Is — is — could I see 
the young lady? 

Henry [bawling, at which Miss Wells shrinks] 
Maude ! Lady to see you. 

Maude [coming forward, very cordially'] Why, 
how d' you do, Miss Wells. I ain't seen you since 
you came in here Easter to buy that lily for your 
fiancay. Ever since I been here — four years — 
you 've sent him an Easter lily for Easter. I think 
it 's a lovely idea. 

Miss Wells. I have sent Mr. Jackson a lily 
at Eastertide ever since we became engaged — 
fifteen years ago. 

Maude [shortly] Fifteen years must seem a 
long time to be engaged. 

Miss Wells [with a touch of dignity 1 ] Both 
Mr. Jackson and I believe in long engagements. 
When Mr. Jackson's business affairs get so he 
can leave them for a few weeks — we 've always 
planned — and of course I expect you to help me 
choose the flowers. 

Maude. I always am partial to a pink wedding, 
myself. 

Miss Wells. When we were first engaged he 
used to say pink was my color. 

Henry [listening, grins derisively] Huh ! 

Maude [sharply] Henry, you sent that Davis 
order off? If you ain't, you better get at it. 
[10] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

[Henry slouches off.] Then you just came in to 
look around to-day? 

Miss Wells [moves flatteringly nearer, points 
to her orchids] I — I came about — these. I sup- 
pose I should n't wear them till I made sure — 
but they were too lovely. [With a little laugh.] 

Maude [woodenly] Made sure of what? 

Miss Wells [happily] That Mr. Jackson sent 
them. I — I did n't realize he could be so roman- 
tic. [Simply] It was the way I imagined lovers 
would act — before I had one. 

Maude. H'm ! Ain't that a new hat you got ? 

Miss Wells. I think — don't you? — in the 
spring — the April sunshine makes us look shabby. 
I felt I had to buy a new hat. 

Maude. I know. In the spring I always want 
to start something myself. 

Miss Wells [happily] I think it must have 
been the Easter lily that — started Mr. Jackson. 
The day after I came here and ordered the lily as 
usual — these [touching the flowers] began to 
arrive. It seems so — so reckless for Mr. Jack- 
son. I always understood the orchid was a very 
expensive flower. Though the day after we were 
engaged, he sent me a beautiful bouquet — two 
dozen red carnations. 

Maude [sotto voce] Red carnations is always 
the sign of a gink! 

Miss Wells. I beg pardon? 

Maude [sharply] Look here, did Mr. Jackson 
tell you he sent them orchids? 

Miss Wells. No; he simply looked at them 
and said: " Someone has been getting reckless 

[ii] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

with her money." He — he — frequently says 
playful things. 

Maude. H'm. What did you say? 

Miss Wells. I said : " They were sent to me 
without a name — but I think I recognize the 
donor." 

Maude {with sudden joy] Oh, you said that, 
did you? How 'd he act? 

Miss Wells. He said, jokingly, " A fool and 
his money are soon parted." Then we dropped the 
matter. From his off-hand manner I saw he did 
not want further thanks. 

Maude [disappointed] Oh, yes. [Busies her- 
self at ledger. Miss Wells hesitates, lingers and 
approaches timidly.] 

Miss Wells. Of course it was Mr. Jackson. 
There 's no one else it could have been? 

Maude [deliberately secretive] I ain't allowed 
to di-vulge the name of the party. The party 
says to me, " The lady would n't remember me," 
he says — 

Miss Wells [gasping] He said? 

Maude [returns to ledger] So I ain't got any 
right to let the cat out the bag. 

Miss Wells [excited] Then it was n't Mr. 
Jackson. 

Maude [mysteriously] I '11 tell you this. A 
man that sends carnations he usually sticks to 
carnations. He don't suddenly switch to orchids. 

Miss Wells [muses] When I was in high 
school, a boy named Staples sent me a valentine. 
The boys called him Stoops. He was cross-eyed. 
This — gentleman — did you notice his eyes? 
[12] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Maude. The handsomest pair of large, hom- 
ing brown eyes I ever seen. 

Miss Wells [distinctly fluttered] Burning 
brown eyes ! [Contemplates the idea.] I — I have 
never seen exactly that kind of eye. Mr. Jack- 
son's are light brown, but, no — I should n't call 
them burning, exactly. What was his general 
appearance ? 

Maude. Tall, imposing, well set up — the 
bearing of a count — or an adventurer ! 

Miss Wells [frightened, yet delighted] You 
don't think he could be an adventurer, do you? 
I — I have never happened to meet one — 

Maude'. Oh, no, indeed ! His manner was 
grave and kind — yet bitter — as if some woman 
had made him suffer. I thought he had a secret 
sorrow. 

Miss Wells. As I remember Stoops, he was 
rather solemn — almost sulky ; but I hardly think 
it was because of a woman. Of course, the teacher 
used to keep him after school a great deal — 
unjustly I sometimes thought, but — [disap- 
pointed] Yes, — it may be Staples. 

Maude [positively] The name was not Staples. 

Miss Wells. He gave you his name? 

Maude [firmly] Which I am not at liberty to 
divulge. 

Miss Wells. Did he say anything which might 
give a clue — 

Maude. When I asked him for his card, he 
said : " Let the flowers carry their own message. 
She — " His voice broke here. 
[13] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Miss Wells [sympathetically] Poor fellow! 

Maude. " She would n't recall me." [Re- 
turns to books as if rrDatter were closed.] 

Miss Wells [coming nearer, timidly] What — 
what color was his hair? 

Maude. Jet black — with a sprinkling of white 
about his temples. But not from age. 

Miss Wells. He has suffered. [Consciously] 
Ah ! He must think harshly of women. 

Maude [rallying her] Them orchids don't look 
it, do they? Do you know what them kind costs? 
Two dollars apiece ! 

Miss Wells. Apiece! [She is staggered.] 
Have you — is there a mirror here ? [Maude inr 
dicates one; Miss Wells studies it eagerly, then 
pulls out her hair a trifle about her face and shake's 
her head rather sadly.] No! 

Maude. I 've always heard you was considered 
very pretty. 

Miss Wells [without illusions] Nobody 's told 
me so for years. 

Maude. Some men don't change. To them a 
woman once beautiful is always beautiful. 

Miss Wells [timidly] I 've always supposed 
that was because they did n't take time to notice 
she had changed. 

Maude. He notices. He said to me to-day — 

Miss Wells [gasping] He 's been here to-day? 

Maude [nods] He stood right at that shelf. 
[With an inspiration] That very bachelor's-but- 
ton [points to floor] dropped from his coat. 

Miss Wells [while Maude busies herself with 
[14] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

her books surreptitiously picks up the flower and 
hides it im her purse] Bachelor's-buttons ! Poor 
fellow ! 

Maude. He said : " I wonder by what happy 
chance she wore lilacs on her hat ? " 

Miss Wells. Some years ago I took some 
lilacs to church. There was an exchange rector. 
Does — does this gentleman — with the burning 
eyes — look like a rector? 

Maude \_disgusted] Not him. He had on his 
vest right side to and wore his clothes with an in- 
describable air of distinction. I think he had on 
one of them Arrow collars you see in the street 
cars. 

Miss Wells [surveys herself again in mirror, 
gives a little pull to her coat, and adjusts her hat] 
Do — do you think he lives here in town? 

Maude. He was more like a man who has 
knocked about considerable, equally at home with 
princes and paupers — a citizen of the woild. 

Miss Wells. And his character? 

Maude. Determined. One who would sweep 
all obstikles before him. 

Miss Wells [rather frightened] A — a strong 
man? 

Maude. With his passions under poifick con- 
trol, but a whoilwind when roused. 

Miss Wells. Perhaps — perhaps I had better 
keep this from Mr. Jackson. 

Maude [nonplussed, then emphatically] I soi- 
tenly should n't. The sooner Mr. Jackson knows, 
the better for all concerned. 

Miss Wells [wavering] Perhaps. But I 
[15] 



* THE FLORIST SHOP 

must n't take any more of your time. [She starts 
to go. Enter Slovsky.] 

Slovsky [suavely to Miss Wells] Are you being 
waited on, madam? 

Miss Wells [embarrassed] Thank you, I don't 
want [under Ms disapproval] — I might look at 
some bulbs. 

Slovsky [points to other room] In the other 
room. [Miss Wells turns to other room. He 
bars her path, with glance at Maude] Them are 
beautiful orchids, now, madam. I was admiring 
them from the moment I saw them. 

Miss Wells [embarrassed] They — they came 
from here. 

Slovsky [feigning surprise] Here, Slovsky's? 
Guess I 'm losing track of things. [Looks at 
Maude.] Or maybe you got them just now? 

Miss Wells [embarrassed, over shoulder] No 
— they were sent to me. Exit. 

Slovsky [walking to Maude] You sent them 
orchids to her? 

Maude [doggedly, after a pause] Yes — I did. 

Slovsky [with heavy sarcasm] I don't seem to 
remember that we have received from her no large 
orders for decorations lately, now. 

Maude. Her name 's on our books. 

Slovsky [taken back] That so? A customer, is 
she? Let me see her account. [Maude, with an 
air of being in for it, hands him the book.] 

Slovsky [reads in disgust] 1913 — One Easter 

lily. [Turns page] 1914 — Another Easter lily. 

1915 — Another Easter lily ! Say, that 's good 

business — she buys from us annually a seventy- 

[16] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

nine-cent Easter lily, and to keep up her wallable 
trade we sends her a five-dollar spray of orchids. 
Say, are you gone crazy? 

Maude [keeps on workmg] Prob'ly. 

Slovsky. She a friend of yours ? 

Maude. I ain't never seen her except in this 
store. When I buy flowers for my poisonal 
friends, I pay for them. 

Slovsky. Your orders was to place flowers 
free with customers where they would do the most 
good. 

Maude. Your instructions was followed. I 
put them flowers where they would do the most 
good. They 've done good already. 

Slovsky [eagerly] What? An order? 

Maude [shortly] No, I slipped up against a 
human savings bank named Jackson. 

Slovsky. Then where 's the good come in ? 

Maude. Them flowers has made a different 
woman of her already. She 's waked up ; she 's 
got a new hat. Them flowers has given her what 
every woman orter have in her life. 

Slovsky [restraining his rage] May I ask what 
that is? 

Maude [shortly] Romance. 

Slovsky. Romance! [Enraged] Honest, if 
this was n't a matter of dollars and cents it would 
be funny ! Romance ! 

Maude [defensively] She 's been getting younger 
and more sprightly with every bunch. 

Slovsky. Every bunch? How long has this 
been going on ? 

Maude. Dating from last week. 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Slovsky. Then dating from last week you 
may consider yourself fired. 

Maude [surprised and upset] You — you — 
wouldn't fire me, Mr. Slovsky? Take it out of 
my pay, but don't fire me. I 'd rather woik here 
than any place I know. 

Slovsky. You 're fired, all right. Slovsky's 
can't afford you. You 're a luxury. A little heart 
and sentiment is all right for the flower trade. 
But this is a retail business. You got it enough 
to stock a wholesale house. You 're fired. [He 
leaves the room. Maude is sad for a moment, then 
recovers her cheerfulness.] 

Maude. Back to the rubber! 

Enter Mr. Jackson. He saunters about, trying 
to decide how to begin. He starts toward Maude, 
but lingers near showcase. 

Mr. Jackson [loudly] What do you call those 
purple flowers? 

Maude [snappily] Orchids. 

Mr. Jackson. What 's the price? 

Maude [calls] Henry! [Enter Henry.] This 
gentleman wants to buy some orchids. 

Henry. Say, Maude, I got important busi- 
ness. Can't you attend to him? 

Maude [briefly] I 'm fired. I may have too 
much heart, but I ain't got so much heart I go on 
woikin' for Slovsky free after I 'm fired. 

Henry. Fired? Say, you 're kidding. Slovsky 
thinks the world of you, kiddo. 

Maude [bitterly] Go on, wait on the gent. 
[Takes a look at Jackson.] Take it from me, it 's 

[18] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

time I went back to the rubber. I would never of 
sized him up for better than jonquils. [Exit to 
inner room.] 

Mr. Jackson. Have I got to wait here all day? 

Henry [moving to case, opens it invitingly'] 
Just a minute, sir. Which kind do you want? 

Mr. Jackson. I did n't say I wanted any. I 
wanted to know the price. 

Henry [brings out two bouquets] One dollar 
for the plain ones ; two for the speckled. 

Mr. Jackson [touching a speckled one with 
awe] Two dollars a dozen for these? 

Henry. A dozen? Naw, apiece. 

Mr. Jackson [struck all in a heap] Why — 
why — it 's outrageous ! I must see the pro- 
prietor at once. Do you hear! I must see the 
proprietor! [Maude returns.] 

Henry. Maude ! Here 's a gentleman wants 
to see Mr. Slovsky. 

Maude [pins on her veil deliberately] Well, get 
him. He 's out in back. Exit Henry. 

Mr. Jackson [with guile points to the orchids] 
Do you sell many of these? 

Maude. We do. They are popular with the 
ladies. 

Mr. Jackson [rather struck] That 's so. She 
seemed to like them. 

Maude [taking notice] Who? 

Mr. Jackson. Miss Wells is the lady I re- 
ferred to. Of Chestnut Street. 

Maude [with volumes in her tone 7 ] O-h-h ! 
[Looks him over. Secretly delighted.] I 've 
sorter been looking for you, Mr. Jackson. 

[19] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Mr. Jackson. Eh? You know me? 

Maude [covering] Did n't we have the pleasure 
of sending you an Easter lily last week? 

Mr. Jackson [heavily] Hey? Well — I did n't 
come about that. I — I happened to be passing, 
and I thought I 'd inquire who sent those flowers 
she 's been getting. 

Maude [elaborately] Oh ! I will look. [Searches 
through ledger.] They were sent without a card. 
I am not at liberty to di-vulge the party. 

Mr. Jackson. But to one of the family. 
[Maude looks inquiringly.] Practically. I have 
been engaged to Miss Wells for fifteen years. 

Maude [ drily] Oh ! Then you 're practically 
one of the family. 

Mr. Jackson. I thought I 'd inquire if the 
card was overlooked. 

Maude [firmly] The intention of the party was 
he did not want his name sent. 

Mr. Jackson [with greater interest; rather 
belligerent] He ! What 'd he look like? 

Maude [looks Mr. Jackson over critically] 
Some taller than you [Mr. Jackson straightens 
himself] and considerable younger. Handsome as 
a Greek god ! 

Mr. Jackson. Well, I 'd like to know what he 
means! Did he explain himself? 

Maude. I am only here to take orders. I 
don't ask a person what their motive is for send- 
ing flowers. We don't require a license before we 
sell them. 

Mr. Jackson. An advertising scheme! Did 
he look like a — a life insurance agent? 
[20] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Maude [smiling cryptically] He looked more 
like a gentleman who 's never had to soil his hands 
with trade. [Mr. Jackson furtively examines his 
hands. ] 

Mr. Jackson. Well, what 'd he say? Remem- 
ber, it 's my fiancee he 's been sending flowers to. 

Maude [affecting' reserve] In — in that case I 
don't feel I ought to tell you what he said. 

Mr. Jackson [more alarmed] I insist — or I 
must speak to the proprietor. 

Maude [alarmed] I '11 tell you — though I 
should n't. [Mr. Jackson leans forward eagerly.] 
He only said : " The best is none too good for 
her." 

Mr. Jackson [sotto voce] Two dollars apiece! 
And she 's kept me in absolute ignorance ! 

Maude [with false sympathy] Perhaps you 
ain't been seeing much of her lately? 

Mr. Jackson. Why — I 've been busy — 

Maude. It 's so easy for another to profit by 
our neglect. 

Mr. Jackson. But she does n't know any other 
men. Why, we 've been engaged for fifteen years ! 

Maude [with covert sarcasm, which Mr. Jack- 
son does not see] You would n't think she 'd want 
a change after being engaged to you fifteen years, 
would you? 

Mr. Jackson. Why, no. 

Maude. Yet, sometimes that 's the kind of 
engagement gets broken oftenest. 

Mr. Jackson [more alarmed] You think so? 

Maude [mmmgly] I suppose it 's because a 
woman gets so deadly tired of the same man. 
[21] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Then, when some dashing stranger dazzles her 
with unaccustomed attentions — why, I s'pose it 
turns her head. [Watches effect on Jackson.] 

Mr. Jackson [excited] I forbid you to send 
her any. more of that fellow's flowers ! 

Enter Miss Wells; see's him, and shrinks back. 

Miss Wells [almost inaudibly] Mr. Jackson! 

Mr. Jackson [turns and sees her. Bitterly] 
Here you are, then. To meet him, I suppose? 

Miss Wells [guiltily] To meet whom? 

Mr. Jackson [sternly] I see you wear his 
flowers. Tell me the worst. How long has this 
fellow been in love with you ? 

Miss Wells [nervously] I — I don't know. 

Mr. Jackson [sternly and reproachfully] 
Jessie, I want the truth. 

Miss Wells [faltering] It must have been a 
very long time. 

Mr. Jackson. And you 've made me think I 
was the only man you cared for. 

Miss Wells. Truly, James, I did think so 

— until to-day. [Maude starts guiltily.] 
Mr. Jackson [groaning] Until to-day ! 

Miss Wells. I mean — I never knew he cared 

— until to-day. 

Mr. Jackson. And has he turned you from 
me? After fifteen long years — 

Miss Wells [with some spirit] It 's the first 
time they 've seemed long to you ! 

Mr. Jackson [with intended bitterness] It 's 
been longer to you, perhaps. 

Miss Wells. Yes, it has been long, James. 
[22] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

When we were first engaged, it was different. 
You sent me flowers then; you were anxious to 
please me. You said that you had placed me on a 
pedestal. [With a tremulous laugh.] It 's taken 
me all these years to find out the pedestal was a — 
was a — was a shelf. 

Mr. Jackson [genuinely surprised] Why, 
Jessie — I 've always meant to get married some 
day. We 've never got around to it. There have 
been so many other things. 

Miss Wells. If it had been first in your mind, 
the other things could have waited. No ! I '11 say 
now what I 've never dared to think before — you 
have n't been the sort of lover I 've always wanted. 
[She glances down at the orchids.] I can imagine 
some men — more impetuous than you — 

Mr. Jackson [feeling very badly] Ah, that 's 
the kind of man he is, I suppose. 

Miss Wells. Sweeping all before him. 

Mr. Jackson [bitterly] Young and handsome; 
a dashing stranger making a fool of himself over 
you — that 's what you like ! 

Miss Wells. Yes — we do like to have men 
make fools of themselves over us. It proves they 
care more for us than for their own appearance. 

Mr. Jackson. The devotion of a lifetime is 
nothing when some good-looking adventurer comes 
along — 

Miss Wells [touching her flowers] Why do 
you say adventurer? 

Mr. Jackson. What else is he? Sending 
orchids — to another man's fiancee. At two dol- 
lars apiece! 

[23] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Miss Wells. You 've often said it was the 
sentiment which counted — not the price. 

Mr. Jackson. What right has he to any senti- 
ment over you? I 'm going to hunt that fellow 
up, and — and give him what 's what ! [He 
finishes lamely.] 

Miss Wells [fright ene'd] James ! For my sake 
— don't give him what 's what ! 

Mr. Jackson [bristling] You 're trying to 
shield him ! 

Miss Wells [frightened] No, James. It 's you 
I 'm trying to shield. He 's twice as big as you 
are! 

Mr. Jackson [enraged] I don't care if he 's 
three times as big. I 'm going to stay here till he 
comes — and fight him ! 

Miss Wells. Don't ! He is a whirlwind when 
roused! [Mr. Jackson remains im pugilistic atti- 
tude.] James — I 'm not the sort of woman who 
enjoys seeing two men fight for her. If you want 
to keep my affection, you '11 come back with me 
now. 

Mr. Jackson [catching at the word] I still 
have a chance? Will you give him up for me? 

Miss Wells. I '11 be honest with you, James. 
In some ways he is more my ideal than you are. 
He seems all I imagined a lover should be. But 
when I think of a husband, I can't imagine anyone 
but you. I 've got so used to you, James, these 
fifteen years. 

Mr. Jackson. And I 've got used to you. 
Maybe, I did n't seem to appreciate you till he 
came between us. 

[24] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Miss Wells. But I like to feel there have 
been two men in my life, James. 

Mr. Jackson [jealously] So that you can 
coquet with us both? 

Miss Wells [earnestly] Not that, truly. But 
I feel I 'm bringing more to the man of my 
choice. 

Mr. Jackson [pleased] You look so pretty, 
Jessie. I don't blame the other fellow much. [He 
looks her over critically.] But — those flowers. 
If you want flowers, I '11 get you some. 

Miss Wells [reluctantly] He meant them in 
the most respectful way. 

Mr. Jackson. Take them off. [She obeys, 
laymg them on the shelf reluctantly, almost ten- 
derly. He goes to the showcases, signaling to 
Maude, who has busied herself at the extreme back 
of the shop during this last dialogue. As she ap- 
proaches] I want to see some flowers. [Maude 
glances knowingly at the empty place on Miss 
Wells's coat and smiles.] 

Maude [demurely] I don't woik here any 
longer, but I '11 wait on you with pleasure. What 
kind do you prefer? [Mr. Jackson gravitates 
toward the carnations. The two women are on 
either side of him with a sort of critical challenge, 
which increases as he nears a decision.] 

Mr. Jackson. These carnations [he falters, 
perceiving the lack of sympathy] — are pretty. 

Maude [pleasant, but firm] They are all right, 
of course, but compared to orchids — 

Mr. Jackson [wavering, looks at Maude, at 
Miss Wells, and at the orchids; puts his hand in 
[25] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

his pocket meditatively but unconsciously; then 
braces himself resolutely. To Miss Wells] Would 
you prefer orchids, Jessie? 

Miss Wells. No, James; some other flower, 
please. 

Maude [helpfully] Vi'lets is very nice. [Mr. 
Jackson looks at Miss Wells, inquiringly.] 

Miss Wells. I 'm very fond of violets. 

Mr. Jackson [with new jocularity] Violets it 
is. [Takes another brace.] The largest bunch 
you have, young lady. [Maude selects a magnifi- 
cent arrangement, gives it to Miss Wells, who pins 
it on. Mr. Jackson leads the way to the door.] 

Maude. Shall I wrap up these orchids for 
you? 

Miss Wells [Mr. Jackson at door, waiting] 
No, tell him I 'm sorry, but he must n't send any 
more. [Miss Wells hesitates, then takes the 
bachelor's-button from her purse, considers dis- 
carding it, then returns it to her purse.] 

Maude [rather bitterly] No danger; he won't. 
Miss Wells and Mr. Jackson exeunt. 

Enter Slovsky and Henry as Miss Wells and 
Mr. Jackson pass the window, engrossed. 

Slovsky [surveying Maude with disapproval] 
Well, you did n't lose no time getting your hat 
and coat on. The custom is when fired to finish 
out the day. 

Maude. It ain't my custom. When 1 5 m fired, 
I go. [She starts for the door. Henry mutely 
shows his sympathy.] 

Slovsky. Well, good-bye, Maude. Remember, 
[26] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

I ain't got no hard feeling. You understand busi- 
ness is business, and sentiment 's something else. 

Maude [shortly] Good-bye. [Sotto voce, to 
Henry.'] Say, Henry, tip me wise if them orders 
to Mile. Looey begins to fall off. [To Slovsky, 
indicating orchids on counter.] Your orchids has 
come back. [As she starts to leave, Slovsky takes 
the orchids and puts them back in the case.] 

Miss Wells [entermg, to Maude] Are you 
going out ? I — I wanted to leave an order. 
[Slovsky edges nearer.] 

Maude [with glance at Slovsky] I can take it. 

Miss Wells. Mr. Jackson and I have been 
talking it over. He 's very insistent ; he wants me 
to — to make it very soon. So I said — next 
month. There 's really no reason why it should n't 
be next month — though it seems so sudden. 

Maude. Now, I 'm glad to hear that, Miss 
Wells. I shall take a poisonal interest in this. 
For you, I should advise — [ They move toward the 
cases and stand talking; Slovsky edges nearer.] 

Slovsky. Can I help you, Maude? [To Miss 
Wells.] May I ask the occasion? 

Miss Wells [embarrassed] A — why — a 
wedding. 

Maude [triumphantly] A church wedding, St. 
Mark's. 

Slovsky [respectfully] Ah! St. Mark's? 

Maude. Roses and southern smilax. 

Slovsky. Ah-h ! 

Miss Wells [to Maude] I think I can leave it 
to you — your taste is exquisite. Mr. Jackson 
is waiting for me. Exit, 

[27] 



THE FLORIST SHOP 

Slovsky [shame-faced] Maude ! Did you know 
about this here wedding when you sent them 
orchids ? 

Maude [triumphantly] I arranged that wed- 
ding. [She starts to go.] 

Slovsky [advancing cordially] When I make a 
mistake, I 'm willing to say so. I ort a known a 
smart girl like you would a had a reason behind 
her. Now, you take off your coat and hat and 
stay. You 're what I always said, an asset to the 
business. [Maude deliberates. The telephone 
rings. Slovsky answers it.] 

Slovsky. Yes — I see, I see. Now you just 
wait a minute, and I '11 get our young lady to at- 
tend to you. Maude! [After a moment's delib- 
eration Maude slowly removes her coat and goes 
to the telephone. A sigh of relief from Slovsky 
and Henry.] 

Maude. Hel-lo ! I see. Naturally you do. 
[Almost falling into the receiver.] Oh, might I 
ask, how much did it weigh? Nine pounds — 
think of that ! You used to send her vi'lets and 
roses, but you want this to be something different. 
Now, why don't you send her one of them old- 
fashioned baskets, with paper lace around the 
edges. [She revels in the sentiment.] All filled 
with little pink rosebuds and pansies and mignon- 
ette and f orgit-me-nots ? [She laughs sympathet- 
ically.] And I '11 just put in some johnny-jump- 
ups for the baby ! 

CURTAIN 



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